Some advice and a lot of first-hand anecdotes and observations from someone who accidentally had a career in the bike business.

Sunday, April 01, 2007

Freedom of Religion

Cycling, like religion, is something anyone can pick up and interpret for themselves. You can join a group that cycles according to your beliefs, or you can have a personal relationship with bike, which might converge with other interpretations, but is not bound by them.

Some cyclists interpret their faith militantly, pursuing a cycling insurgency in theaters of urban warfare.

Some cyclists like a big congregation with lots of good works like benefit rides. Others use cycling to express the pursuit of human excellence in competition.

Many ordinary people ride bikes without thinking about what philosophy they may be supporting.

The problem with cycling or religion is that its public image is defined by those who care enough to create one, regardless of whether it truly represents the majority view. If the majority really is silent, only an observant statistician will be able to document and report the real trends. The flamboyant practitioners have more impact in the news and on public opinion.

When you wear a bike in public, it is much more obvious than any cross, crescent or star of David. And people will judge you by it based in large measure on the prejudices they have built up for or against other bike wearers.